I kept those that only read this blog in a MAJOR suspension...sorry about that.
I have been quite busy in making radical decisions and figuring out future career/focus/getting the most out of life! Intensive has given LITTLE time to really decide things...and timing was the worst! But I've survived and now onto the goods!
I've really enjoyed it here in Korea and know I feel more close to these people than my stay in Ireland. Perhaps its the mystery...but I think its more the unspoken gestures and raw emotion that i find kinship in. No man can contain it in words of a communal mindset...and the true essence of an ajuma or old woman. old men also just could make you melt when it comes to caring about their younger "brother". a society truly focused on working to become something better...to not settle, to not back down. i know i could never support the hagwon job personally...but its given me a solid job in my time of organizing... As such i've come to find some beautiful memories and life lessons all thrown together in bim bim bap. Without it all...I would not be the man God has in store for me. So here's to a challenge to not take the easy path...the simple...not even the comfortable.
As many should know by now.. I have decided to stay until December 11th. It is longer than October (and I"m sad i'll miss the ren fest and thanksgiving) but I am unsure when I will have another chance to make money along with it lets my contracts (phone bill, internet) time to expire! Only 1 extra month but the benefits far outway the negatives.
My future career is being a Foreign Exchange Director at a University.
I have really learned that not only am I good at welcoming people and making them feel comfortable in a foreign country (in college i did that, now here my fellow english teachers, and even students with me a foreigner) i also really enjoy the challenge and growth seen in each person's eyes! The experience keeps me always feeling like a newborn, gives me hope for building bridges, and ultimately sharing His purpose of joy. So yes, I understand everyone's questions and concerns about how it all will work...and I just know it will.
First few steps!
I need to study for the GRE and sign up for a date sometime directly after my return. I Have 4 months to study...and let it begin! So, now the only thing i need...a ride home from the Airport?
Sorry for the delay! QUestion: What Graduate school is your favorite?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
What a busy Intensive (Summer Vacation)
Just the name is ironic... there's no school for the kids...and instead of going out and enjoying some sunshine and life...tehy're in my classroom studying all lengths of days!
YMCA camp was fun and let the kids be KIDS...this is just torture. if only they knew how we do...
but eh, that's how it is. so i've been swamped...will finish the 22nd of august. so hey at least it means extra money! but it also means i start up at 10am and leave around 7pm... maybe.
well, i've also been VERY angry and tried not to rant and rave about things...namely the swine flu and how much of a hog it is on work. I cannot go to indonesia for vacation (july 29th to the 4th) because i "might get it" which we have 13? 33? keeps growing cases right here in bucheon! so yes, we're soooo going to get it....ha. its going to be a kid. and then its going to just have to run it course. point being, i'm not really worried and there r many things going on beside that.
All that i really wanted to say was yes, i'm still alive...its intense and i hope tomorrow i will go camping in the country side! we found cheap tents for 1 person and all that jazz! so if we master that...i think we'll really have some great stuff! might have a few pics from it with my new camera too!
Oh and i had an old old friend, Jenna Winton, back from St. John's...all the way back to Florida contact me rannndoomly on facebook asking about korea and she might come over here, haha. what a wild story she has too over the last...10 years?
Well, so its been sort of boring...sort of busy? We have a new teacher too, he's a lot like Joseph Brown from college and thats why probably he and i will go camping and it'll b good.
I know i should update more often but its difficult to catch the time. I also am recording/editing the video of each teacher...its been a major job that i didnt ask for (i just had a cable they needed............now i'm doing the work!? how does that make me qualified!?)
hm, well, contract is ending october 26th...so i'll keep u suspended on....
THE DECISION!
j
YMCA camp was fun and let the kids be KIDS...this is just torture. if only they knew how we do...
but eh, that's how it is. so i've been swamped...will finish the 22nd of august. so hey at least it means extra money! but it also means i start up at 10am and leave around 7pm... maybe.
well, i've also been VERY angry and tried not to rant and rave about things...namely the swine flu and how much of a hog it is on work. I cannot go to indonesia for vacation (july 29th to the 4th) because i "might get it" which we have 13? 33? keeps growing cases right here in bucheon! so yes, we're soooo going to get it....ha. its going to be a kid. and then its going to just have to run it course. point being, i'm not really worried and there r many things going on beside that.
All that i really wanted to say was yes, i'm still alive...its intense and i hope tomorrow i will go camping in the country side! we found cheap tents for 1 person and all that jazz! so if we master that...i think we'll really have some great stuff! might have a few pics from it with my new camera too!
Oh and i had an old old friend, Jenna Winton, back from St. John's...all the way back to Florida contact me rannndoomly on facebook asking about korea and she might come over here, haha. what a wild story she has too over the last...10 years?
Well, so its been sort of boring...sort of busy? We have a new teacher too, he's a lot like Joseph Brown from college and thats why probably he and i will go camping and it'll b good.
I know i should update more often but its difficult to catch the time. I also am recording/editing the video of each teacher...its been a major job that i didnt ask for (i just had a cable they needed............now i'm doing the work!? how does that make me qualified!?)
hm, well, contract is ending october 26th...so i'll keep u suspended on....
THE DECISION!
j
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New!! Skype me!
Skype me: Mightyolive
I have it up and running and look forward to hearign from you!
So there's been nothing majorly new going on recently. past 2 weeks have just been me laying low. I am trying to save money for this huge month! July is full every weekend (so i'll b busy...might cause me to update!)
Only things worth mentioning are...last weekend i got to touch a game of Halo! haha...and that was about as active as i got. I also saw transformers wednesday night! midnite showing!
So this weekend I went to the Avalon presentation competition for my "son" Andrew Hux Oliver. Yep, that's his name. He's totally the coolest kid ever! I met his parents on teh bus and laughed as we played NDS games and helped him prepare for his speech. he didnt place but certainly learned a lot from talking in english all day. that was worth it just in itself! Pictures and video of his presentation maybe later.
well, so we had VIPS (like fancy restaurant) and buffet and wow, still can eat 6 huge plates...i tell ya. so nothing new here...how about you? Mightyolive Skype it!
j
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A foreign exchange
So i know its been a while and I dont know where to begin with events and drama and experiences.
Lets just see what comes to mind. I am at work at the moment and been slammed with meetings after meetings because we've lost (or not gained) new students so somehow meetings will make us happier that we have to come in early to finish our work?? but so, i also have started swimming in the mornings and (trying) to study korean so i've missed out on some bloggin to those curious minds.
So, wow, 3 weeks...a lot (or nothing) has happened. Just for those that dont know, its been busy dealing with drama and facebook's ...power should not be underestimated. and that honesty is golden. and that friends are amazing. and i needed another growing experience apparently. haha. so thats all done, i'm back on my show and if not...well...obviously i can handle whatever is thrown my way! Just dont hate me if you dont like what you're given!
So that june 1st i just sat home all weekend reading my book and keeping to myself. Week of work...drained away. 2nd weekend went out just enough to make better friends with Daniel because he might not be the brightest at teaching...but he's got a pretty good mind at video games! so thats been a change..from being very busy to have a boring but bachelor's life.
This past weekend.. the 13th had a fun experience that i will now talk about.
So i went to Catholic church with Holly (my new floormate and "older sister") she helped talk to me about some issues, along with i helped her! Instant friends. lol, so church was great and unique...loads of africans in seoul! I had no idea! And it is always an international experience. In some ways church is better because of it...because only one thing ties us all together prefectly- Christ.
Afterwards her friend and 2 of us went to get AMAZING mexican food! Enchiladas and burritos! (and it was STILL a combo #26) hhahahaah. and wow was it delicious!
must return "los amigos"
Well so i also saw pelham 123...ok movie. some heroes still in NYC... but also what a sad world we live in. Well, things still keep going on. contract is ending of October 24th. some prayer on what my future holds would be great!
live the dream!
Lets just see what comes to mind. I am at work at the moment and been slammed with meetings after meetings because we've lost (or not gained) new students so somehow meetings will make us happier that we have to come in early to finish our work?? but so, i also have started swimming in the mornings and (trying) to study korean so i've missed out on some bloggin to those curious minds.
So, wow, 3 weeks...a lot (or nothing) has happened. Just for those that dont know, its been busy dealing with drama and facebook's ...power should not be underestimated. and that honesty is golden. and that friends are amazing. and i needed another growing experience apparently. haha. so thats all done, i'm back on my show and if not...well...obviously i can handle whatever is thrown my way! Just dont hate me if you dont like what you're given!
So that june 1st i just sat home all weekend reading my book and keeping to myself. Week of work...drained away. 2nd weekend went out just enough to make better friends with Daniel because he might not be the brightest at teaching...but he's got a pretty good mind at video games! so thats been a change..from being very busy to have a boring but bachelor's life.
This past weekend.. the 13th had a fun experience that i will now talk about.
So i went to Catholic church with Holly (my new floormate and "older sister") she helped talk to me about some issues, along with i helped her! Instant friends. lol, so church was great and unique...loads of africans in seoul! I had no idea! And it is always an international experience. In some ways church is better because of it...because only one thing ties us all together prefectly- Christ.
Afterwards her friend and 2 of us went to get AMAZING mexican food! Enchiladas and burritos! (and it was STILL a combo #26) hhahahaah. and wow was it delicious!
must return "los amigos"
Well so i also saw pelham 123...ok movie. some heroes still in NYC... but also what a sad world we live in. Well, things still keep going on. contract is ending of October 24th. some prayer on what my future holds would be great!
live the dream!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
So things have been very busy this past week. Thursday i was told to move out of my apartment...into a new apartment by friday night. Luckily i was given until Monday and stayed up until 5am every night getting things organized, ready, and set!
after all the efforts of 6 amazing korean teachers and the help of Alex, the legend of all resourceful Canadians... I got blinds put in, a fixed refridge, a fixed bathroom, and even felt on the upstairs to keep it darker than a cave! its like my very own tree fort!
enjoy...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
First bday out of the Country!
MY BIRTHDAY!!!! So friday is Daniel's bday, not too cool...totally got a cake and the picture and all that...stole my thunder :( but went out to eat dinner, surprised him kind of...and then he drank loads didnt sleep until 8am. haah, hye kinda confused me but whatever, went saturday to walk around with Deb and watch Angels and Demons. Had some fascinating points....love to discuss with Jerm. basically do wish some changes could be done with "religion" and it is true---religion is flawed because man is flawed. accept it for what it is, not what u expect. Good times, went to Outback for dinner! Had a great meal with coworkers and friends and even had one teacher bring his baby and wife! What an honour! haha, first time taking the baby out :-D
Went back home...gave up on really going out afterward cuz the day was packed and ended up playing chess with Alex until 3am and it was good just spending quality time with him. Not big into partying, just quality time talking and chillin :)
He bought me guinness too, so that always makes me grand.
Sunday was a day of recahrging after such a big 2 days! So i played video games for 3 hours and watched a movie and TV shows (had some weird missing "home" from ridding in a family's car and otehr random moments) so smallville and scrubs hit the spot! silly how they take me there and back again. Had a simple evening, went to homeplus for a few things, ate dinner? saw people and on my way home...i found a BICYCLE in a puddle! it was obviously abandoned...and brakes r brokne sooooo...
MINE!
hm, so now my project is getting it fixed and riding for a little...great times!
and the reason i blogged all this time? if i hadnt found the bike, i wouldnt have encouraged jerm to meet his pappa figure in korea...which urged me to get the act...so i now am investing my money with korea and china mutual funds! BOOM BABY! and then also cuz so excited...i went to R&B met a guy got a drink, he works at busan university---just where i was trying to research about! So i picked his brain! Lots of info to think about!
Bucheon University:
2.3mil
paid housing (same) and key deposit.
16hours a week teaching.
2x 50 minute class. Earliest is 9am. Latest is 8pm. Never both extremes.
prepare = chapter and minor worksheets.
pension 1mil.
Overtime tutoring professors.
40 students, finish early is ok and motivated to learn/finish/WORK!
start interview in december. Hire for March... paid vacation. 2 months in summer= 2 weeks camps also and get month paycheck on TOP of paycheck if do camp...
Bottom line: i need to get my paperwork in order and weigh my options!
Now just need guidance ><
Went back home...gave up on really going out afterward cuz the day was packed and ended up playing chess with Alex until 3am and it was good just spending quality time with him. Not big into partying, just quality time talking and chillin :)
He bought me guinness too, so that always makes me grand.
Sunday was a day of recahrging after such a big 2 days! So i played video games for 3 hours and watched a movie and TV shows (had some weird missing "home" from ridding in a family's car and otehr random moments) so smallville and scrubs hit the spot! silly how they take me there and back again. Had a simple evening, went to homeplus for a few things, ate dinner? saw people and on my way home...i found a BICYCLE in a puddle! it was obviously abandoned...and brakes r brokne sooooo...
MINE!
hm, so now my project is getting it fixed and riding for a little...great times!
and the reason i blogged all this time? if i hadnt found the bike, i wouldnt have encouraged jerm to meet his pappa figure in korea...which urged me to get the act...so i now am investing my money with korea and china mutual funds! BOOM BABY! and then also cuz so excited...i went to R&B met a guy got a drink, he works at busan university---just where i was trying to research about! So i picked his brain! Lots of info to think about!
Bucheon University:
2.3mil
paid housing (same) and key deposit.
16hours a week teaching.
2x 50 minute class. Earliest is 9am. Latest is 8pm. Never both extremes.
prepare = chapter and minor worksheets.
pension 1mil.
Overtime tutoring professors.
40 students, finish early is ok and motivated to learn/finish/WORK!
start interview in december. Hire for March... paid vacation. 2 months in summer= 2 weeks camps also and get month paycheck on TOP of paycheck if do camp...
Bottom line: i need to get my paperwork in order and weigh my options!
Now just need guidance ><
Ahnyah ka sayo Parents!
my parents left monday May 4th.
A lot has happened since then! let me tell you!
First...great time with them...but loved having may 5th (children's day) all to myself---with Deb to go play...actually as crazy as this was-i went to DINNER with her parents! yah, totally just met and walked around shopping and laughing and made a sticker at a photo booth (aw sappy) then wanted to eat pizza and watch a movie---why not at her house? scrap the movie, her parents invited me to a homecooked korean meal. and it was delicious! and i got to see a korean home, what a surprise! Its in a 10 story building...but it felt just like my florida home! 1 story, 3 bedrooms, big kitchen (3 refridgerators, haha, 2 for kimchi) and an actual laundry room/patio to just...store stuff or see a view of the awesome little pond they have in their complex.
funny too cuz its 705. i'm 905. yep, easy to remmeber. so i loved her mom's kimchi pizza (have to show u a picture...kinda like batter, kimchi onions, and seafood...of course its delicious) and other side dishes. and her dad fed me cuz it was from "a father's warm heart" lol, what can i say? parents love me. so of course this is just silly fun wild crazy (the parents were so nervous cuz they had no idea what i liked, just that i was deb's friend) bottom line: kept it short, was polite, ate a lot, helped her little sister with college english homework, left before 10pm. yep, golden. Interesting facts: no family photo on the wall, eat on the floor table, had a dog named mary---that responded to konglish commands (some korean, some english commands). mother dresses young and very health concious!
Well so that was a great day off...
the week went smooth, had lots of testing....weekend i took it easy. actually i'm sure i did something but its 4am so give me a break. OH! yah, on Sunday i went to Hongdae w/ hyesung---in plans to go to the Dj Festival in Seoul and went to so many fantastic bars to waste time until angela and alex showed up...! i really learned a lot of great places to go and loved watching people...basically an enjoyable evening with good company. Didnt go to the concert, Ang got there at 11pm---too late for me to stay out all night with that. So we went to more bars. 1 with a cat and indie music, 1 made to look like a bathroom, even 1 that played 80s and 90s korean music. and all were so....special! ah, great.
Sunday i just caught up on house chores (finally cleaned after my parents ...) then deb's parents invited me to a special dinner of raw fish. ooo what a variety! haha, things i STILL dont know what they were...some i would never want to eat again! others i loved. the raw flounder was heaven, and the crabs were divine. There was this guk (soup) that really had a spicy seafood yummy mushroom veggie taste. The father again made all over me, really wanted me to open a mutual fund account with him and really loved to learn about American customs vs korean (like we hate seeing squid eyes...so they cut them off, lol) and we just enjoyed culture! Went back home (they drove me in their car...laughed cuz i said i feel like i'm kidnapped and he asked deb "does he feel kidnapped?" at the same time) and slept like a charm...
another week of testing u.u It was horrible, it sounds like a breeze---but i have to interview each kid one at a time same question...hard questions and grade them hard. gross. Next big entry...
BIRTHDAY BASHHH
A lot has happened since then! let me tell you!
First...great time with them...but loved having may 5th (children's day) all to myself---with Deb to go play...actually as crazy as this was-i went to DINNER with her parents! yah, totally just met and walked around shopping and laughing and made a sticker at a photo booth (aw sappy) then wanted to eat pizza and watch a movie---why not at her house? scrap the movie, her parents invited me to a homecooked korean meal. and it was delicious! and i got to see a korean home, what a surprise! Its in a 10 story building...but it felt just like my florida home! 1 story, 3 bedrooms, big kitchen (3 refridgerators, haha, 2 for kimchi) and an actual laundry room/patio to just...store stuff or see a view of the awesome little pond they have in their complex.
funny too cuz its 705. i'm 905. yep, easy to remmeber. so i loved her mom's kimchi pizza (have to show u a picture...kinda like batter, kimchi onions, and seafood...of course its delicious) and other side dishes. and her dad fed me cuz it was from "a father's warm heart" lol, what can i say? parents love me. so of course this is just silly fun wild crazy (the parents were so nervous cuz they had no idea what i liked, just that i was deb's friend) bottom line: kept it short, was polite, ate a lot, helped her little sister with college english homework, left before 10pm. yep, golden. Interesting facts: no family photo on the wall, eat on the floor table, had a dog named mary---that responded to konglish commands (some korean, some english commands). mother dresses young and very health concious!
Well so that was a great day off...
the week went smooth, had lots of testing....weekend i took it easy. actually i'm sure i did something but its 4am so give me a break. OH! yah, on Sunday i went to Hongdae w/ hyesung---in plans to go to the Dj Festival in Seoul and went to so many fantastic bars to waste time until angela and alex showed up...! i really learned a lot of great places to go and loved watching people...basically an enjoyable evening with good company. Didnt go to the concert, Ang got there at 11pm---too late for me to stay out all night with that. So we went to more bars. 1 with a cat and indie music, 1 made to look like a bathroom, even 1 that played 80s and 90s korean music. and all were so....special! ah, great.
Sunday i just caught up on house chores (finally cleaned after my parents ...) then deb's parents invited me to a special dinner of raw fish. ooo what a variety! haha, things i STILL dont know what they were...some i would never want to eat again! others i loved. the raw flounder was heaven, and the crabs were divine. There was this guk (soup) that really had a spicy seafood yummy mushroom veggie taste. The father again made all over me, really wanted me to open a mutual fund account with him and really loved to learn about American customs vs korean (like we hate seeing squid eyes...so they cut them off, lol) and we just enjoyed culture! Went back home (they drove me in their car...laughed cuz i said i feel like i'm kidnapped and he asked deb "does he feel kidnapped?" at the same time) and slept like a charm...
another week of testing u.u It was horrible, it sounds like a breeze---but i have to interview each kid one at a time same question...hard questions and grade them hard. gross. Next big entry...
BIRTHDAY BASHHH
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